I strolled through the farmers’ market today at Union Square. At one large vegetable stand, the vendor was rapidly selling bunches of red beets for $2.50 each. Buyers, however, did not want the big stalks of greens attached, and requested that they be chopped and disposed. Whoa! I asked the vendor what he does with those gorgeous greens, to which he replied that they are composted. My question was how much he would charge for a big bagful. He said that they were free.
So, I grabbed a massive stack and ran home. The greens went for a dirt-releasing wash in my sink, and then into a large roasting pan. After a coating of olive oil, apple vinegar, black pepper, and sea salt, they slid into a 300F oven for twenty minutes. Upon removing these cooked greens, I finished them with a drizzle of Block Island honey.
Delicious…nutritious…and free.
